This is the heart and soul of what DFA - and its more than 1,000 members in NJ - have been about since the group's inception. Start locally, break through long-standing incumbencies on auto-pilot, push the GOP out and push the Democrats to honor their progressive core. Congratulations to all the activists, of any kind, that launched Linda Stender. - - Promoted by Rosi Efthim
I know I don't need to tell you here at Blue Jersey how much it meant to me and my 2006 campaign to have the unwavering support of our state's outstanding grassroots and netroots communities. Without the online support of the folks here at Blue Jersey and the offline support of everyone who got involved in my campaign through Blue 7th and New Jersey for Democracy, we could not have come as close as we did to starting Mike Ferguson's retirement a few years early. And for that, people like Rosi Efthim and Nathan Rudy deserve so much credit. In fact, I'm sure that the grassroots groundswell of support for our campaign played a large role in his decision to not run for re-election this year. And it's that same support that we're going to have to rely on to win this November.
So it is with great pride that I'm writing to announce our latest endorsement, from Democracy For America. I am thrilled to be recognized alongside other great candidates like Eric Massa and Mark Begich, but I recognize that this is not all about me. Mostly, it's about you.
When I look at DFA's endorsement criteria, one line pops out at me. "Does the candidate have substantial support from our local members?" Do I ever. The deep-seeded desire for change that has sparked such passionate organizing campaigns across the country is also fueling our campaign here in the 7th district - along with others up and down the ticket.
The local grassroots efforts that began before my run in 2006 have been paying dividends. Mark Legato won his seat on the Flemington Borough Council in a special election that set the stage for a new Democratic majority. We saw an unprecedented show of support for Melonie Marano in the Somerset County Freeholder race. And Cecilia Birge and Doug Singleterry are already impressing us all with another strong campaign in Somerset County this year.
This is an exciting time to be involved in local politics. And I hope yo can join us this Sunday, June 29th at Duke Island Park, where we will formally announce the Democracy For America endorsement. We will not only be talking about the issues important to all of you, but we'll be getting involved in some community service as well. There will be opportunities to help assemble care packages for our troops serving overseas, trail cleanup in the park, and packages for our neighbors in need. The event is free, but New Jersey for Democracy is asking that we all bring non-perishable food items to be donated to our local food banks. You can get more information about the event and RSVP by clicking here.
This event will not only give you a chance to get involved with our campaign, but we'll also be able to send a strong message, that we're all ready to roll up our sleeves and get to work, making the 7th district a better place to live and work for all of our families.
